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NTSB Report
June 14, 2015 · Continental Copters Tomcat MK5A NO Series · N9045T
Elk Mound, WI
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 14, 2015
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Elk Mound, WI
Aircraft
Continental Copters Tomcat MK5A NO Series (1975)
Tail Number
N9045T
Operator
Churchill Scott
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA15CA122
The pilot reported he was conducting aerial agricultural operations in his helicopter and that he landed on the bed of the service truck. He reported that fungicide was added to the hopper, and he picked up off of the service truck to take off. As he nosed the helicopter over to pass through effective translational lift (ETL), he reported that he pulled in collective to climb, and that "I noticed wasn't gaining lift and was settling through ETL." The helicopter impacted a crop field and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and to the tail rotor drive shaft. The pilot verified that there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain a positive rate of climb after taking off from the service truck, which resulted in the helicopter impacting terrain.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported he was conducting aerial agricultural operations in his helicopter and that he landed on the bed of the service truck. He reported that fungicide was added to the hopper, and he picked up off of the service truck to take off. As he nosed the helicopter over to pass through effective translational lift (ETL), he reported that he pulled in collective to climb, and that "I noticed wasn't gaining lift and was settling through ETL." The helicopter impacted a crop field and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and to the tail rotor drive shaft. The pilot verified that there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftContinental Copters Tomcat MK5A NO Series
Tail NumberN9045T
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorChurchill Scott
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-435 SERIES · Reciprocating · 220
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 28 · First Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F
Altimeter29.89 inHg
Observation Time19:55
Weather SourceWFAC